Physical therapist taking a measurement of a client's wrist

Department of Physical Therapy News

The physical therapy department offers a doctorate of physical therapy degree designed to prepare students for entry into the profession. Students are prepared as generalists and then have an opportunity to explore orthopedic, pediatric, and geriatric specializations through clinical exposures and student research opportunities. Our curriculum provides a comprehensive background in the art and science of physical therapy and prepares graduates for state licensure examination eligibility.

Current Physical Therapy News

Brad Solomon stands second from right next to a UNLV slot machine
People |

Bradford Solomon credits nutrition and a healthy lifestyle as a way to make a difference on and off the field.

two people walking using tools for assistance by water
Campus News |

Regular aerobic activity may reduce inflammation, support brain health, and help slow symptom progression.

exterior of UNLV campus with red UNLV banner
Campus News |

A UNLV-record 33 graduate and professional programs rank among the nation’s top 100 in their discipline, including 15 in law and 6 in business.

Physical therapist diagnosing concussion symptoms in patient
People |

Physical Therapy professor Dustin Clow shares insight on the impact of concussions and how to best treat them. 
 

Jenny Kent working with a prosthetics patient walking on a treadmill
People |

A career transition changed this physical therapy professor’s life. The challenge she sought for herself has paid off.

ballet dancers stretching out their legs upward
Campus News |

Like a perfect duet, physical therapy students to gain experience running a clinic while fine arts majors receive free services.

Physical Therapy In The News

SciTechDaily

Regular aerobic exercise may reduce inflammation, support brain health, and help slow the progression of symptoms.

El Pais

Learn how to care for the invisible network of 4,000 tendons that supports your body and prevent it from aging; specialists explain why your muscles aren't the only thing you should train.

KVVU-TV: Fox 5

A free clinic on the campus of UNLV helps dance and music students get important care, all delivered through physical therapy students and their department.

Yahoo!

The National Institute on Aging reports that more than one in four adults 65 and older fall annually. Fortunately, it’s an avoidable threat.

Guardian

The National Institute on Aging reports that more than one in four adults 65 and older fall annually. Fortunately, it’s an avoidable threat.

BuzzFeed

You’re probably familiar with many of the benefits of regular exercise when done properly. From building muscle to boosting your energy and even helping your brain function better, there’s no shortage of reasons to work up a sweat. But there’s another great benefit you might not think about as much: You could be improving your bone density through exercise, according to experts.

Physical Therapy Experts

An expert in physical therapy, rehabilitation epidemiology, and hospital mobility.
An expert on pain modulation and rehabilitation, especially within the amputee population.
An expert in neuroplasticity and post-stroke rehabilitation.
A physical therapist with expertise on knee, tissue, joint, and tendon conditions.
An expert in physical therapy and movement disorders, including Parkinson's.
An expert in musculoskeletal biomechanics, sport and exercise science, and amputee rehabilitation.

Recent Physical Therapy Accomplishments

Kaiyu Ho (Physical Therapy) Interim Chair and Associate Professor in the UNLV Department of Physical Therapy, co-authored "The Temporomandibular Joint" chapter in the 6th edition of Current Concepts of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, published by the APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, with Sally Ho, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at…
This recent publication represents a collaboration among Hiraku Nagahori (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences); Xan Goodman (University Libraries); Hsiang-Ling Teng, Professor at California State University, Long Beach; and Kai-Yu Ho (Physical Therapy). The study addresses an important gap in musculoskeletal imaging by systematically evaluating the…
Bailey Gosse, Kimberly Nguyen, and alumna Zoe Zelensky, in collaboration with Kai-Yu Ho and Thessa Hilgenkamp (all Physical Therapy), conducted research examining the effects of footwear on gait quality and walking speed in adults with Down syndrome. The study compared supportive footwear, unsupportive footwear, and barefoot walking in 20 adults…
Douglas Eck, PT, DPT, NCS, MHI, ATP and Kate Hamiltonthompson (both Physical Therapy) will present their poster entitled "Blood Flow Restriction During Aerobic Training in a Manual Wheelchair User with SCI: A Case Report" at the 2026 Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT) Annual Conference on Friday, 9/18/2026 in Minneapolis,…
Douglas Eck and Rebecca Peterson (both Physical Therapy) will present a poster titled “Bridging the Gap: Operationalizing the PVA Bone Health Guidelines through Health Literacy and Community Engagement” at the Paralyzed Veterans of America Summit+Expo 2026 in Las Vegas. The poster explores strategies for translating clinical bone health guidelines…
Douglas Eck (Physical Therapy) and colleague Kristen Cezat will deliver a presentation titled “Standing with Confidence: Aligning Evidence-Based Frameworks to Optimize Standing-Related Complex Rehab Technology Selection” at the upcoming Paralyzed Veterans of America conference held in Las Vegas. Scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, their talk…